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| Logo for Broadway Production of Lysistrata Jones |
Before I even begin this review let me tell you how much of a sports fan I am not. I don't get organized sports, maybe because I am not athletic? Although, who doesn't enjoy watching competitive cheering on ESPN now and then?
Having said that, the punchy - pop musical
Lysistrata Jones has lit a light for the game of basketball for me that I thought would never shine. Picture the innocence of High School Musical, the ambition of Legally Blonde, the hilarity of Book of Mormon and the greek-i-ness of Xanadu all rolled into one. Enter Lyssie J at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway.
Lysistrata Jones the new funny and somewhat edgy musical by Douglass Carter Beane with music by Lewis Flinn is one of Broadways best kept secrets. You may have not heard of it ... but you need to! Lyssie had a great extended off-Broadway run and moved up to Broadway, opening on Wednesday (12/15), where audiences are loving all that it offers.
The setting - Athens University, a fictional, less than competitive school where the boys basketball team is on a 30 year losing streak. Enter transfer student Lysistrata Jones (yes, named after the Aristophanes play), a young gal who has had plenty of let downs in her life. She makes it her goal to get the boys to win a game. With the help of expressive poet-library assistant Robin (played by the fantastic Lindsay Nicole Chambers), Lyssie borrows ideas from her namesake and decides that the girls should't give it up to to boys until they win a game, or as the song says - no more giving it up, until you give up giving it up! Hilarity ensues in a battle of the sexes for the modern college day!
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| Teddy Toye & Mr. F. outside of The Walter Kerr Theatre |
The cast of Lyssie J is full of energy and tons of talent. Lead by Patti Murin, the cast dances and sings their butts off! Murin is amazing in the lead role, any one who questions her ability to hold a show will eat their words when she sings the act one show stopper. She has the voice of a god. Then there is Liz Mikel who is big, blonde and beautiful as our narrator Hetaira. She carries the show from one exciting moment to the next. Josh Segarra as the hunky Mick has the acting chops needed to lead any basketball team. The nerdy - lovable Jason Tam plays Xander draws you in from the second he steps foot on stage. Lindsay Nicole Chambers is beyond hilarious as Robin. To say she is amazing would be an understatement!
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Mr. F with Danielle Petrucelli &
Megan Hatem (from Poultry in Motion)
and Lysistrata star Josh Segarra |
The ensemble cast is equally as wonderful. The choreography, led by director/choreographer Dan Knechtges, is fun and full of energy. One stand out performer is Teddy Toye, who has caught my eye from the first rehearsal I was invited to. His dancing ability is fantastic!
Lysistrata has great music, funny jokes, and talent like you can't believe. Get TICKETS NOW!
Visit
http://www.lysistratajones.com
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